Sports
CAA Championship: Nigerian Vows To Win Medal
Grace Anigbata, one of the athletes that will represent Nigeria at the forthcoming Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) championship, says she will make Nigeria proud at the competition.
The championship tagged: “Asaba 2018’’ is slated for August 1 to August 5 at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta, with no fewer than 42 countries participating.
Anigbata, a 20-year-old triple and high jumper, told Tidesports source Tuesday in Lagos that she was happy to represent the country at the continental championships.
“I am super excited; I thank God and my country for giving me such opportunity.
“One thing I know for sure is that I am going to put in my best in Asaba.
“I will ensure that I make my country and my family happy by coming out in the triple jump with gold,’’ she said.
The athlete said she would do her best to ensure that she leapt 14m in the triple Jump which she had been listed for alongside Blesssing Ibukun.
“My target is 14m and I know that with God, adequate training and luck, I will achieve that,” Anigbata said.
She said that in the next five years, she hopes to be among the top contenders in the international meets.
“In the next five years, I see myself going out for Diamond leagues; I want to see myself competing in top meets in the world.
“I am hopeful that I will gain admission in a school outside the country to improve my performance,” she added.
On why she loved high jump, the athlete said: “High jump is an interesting event; people think it is difficult, but it is not.
“When you start training for high jump, it becomes nothing to you; as a high jumper when you cross your high in jump, then no height can be an issue to you.
“It is just telling your mind that you can do this.”
The athlete, who started her career in 2014, said that her target for the high jump was to set a new personal record.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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